Scarodytes halensis

Description

Length 3.8 to 4.3 mm with lateral furrows on the pronotum and ladder-like first and second elytral stripes. This is the only species in this genus. The oval body, strong dorsal striped patterning (usually 5 stripes) and a dark underside are all useful features.

Similar Species

There are numerous other diving beetles with dark longitudinal stripes on pale, yellow elytra.

Identification difficulty
ID guidance
  • c4mm
  • pale elytra usually with 5 dark stripes
  • first and second stripes connected at 2-3 points to look ladder-like
  • dark underside
  • lateral furrows on the pronotum (need good light to see)
Recording advice

Unless identified by a recognised expert, a photo is required and the specimen should be examined with a microscope. In the comments box, state the key or ID method used and describe the size and identifying characters.

Habitat

Base-rich, even polluted, pools and ditches with sparse vegetation.

When to see it

All year, peaking in April and August..

UK Status

Widespread in England.

VC55 Status

Occasional in Leicestershire and Rutland.

Leicestershire & Rutland Map

MAP KEY:

Yellow squares = NBN records (all known data)
Coloured circles = NatureSpot records: 2020+ | 2015-2019 | pre-2015

UK Map

Species profile

Species group:
Beetles
Kingdom:
Animalia
Order:
Coleoptera
Family:
Dytiscidae
Records on NatureSpot:
2
First record:
15/10/1994 (R. Merritt)
Last record:
25/02/2019 (Nicholls, David)

Total records by month

% of records within its species group

10km squares with records

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